Impaired Driving

Have you been charged with Impaired Driving in Ontario?

Get the legal advice you need to fight your impaired driving charges. Contact us today for a free consultation and quote.

How can you help with my Impaired Driving Charge in Toronto or the GTA?

“A big thanks for helping me… It was very reassuring to have the support of a firm that knows how to navigate the system.” – Jane L, Toronto

This is a very unique area of law;
A legal opinion on a criminal driving charge requires the considered advice of a professional Lawyer, there are no exceptions.
We offer free consultations, so that you will have absolutely nothing to lose by talking to us.
After hearing your version and reviewing all of the disclosure, we will do our very best to lay out your options and the likelihood of success at trial.
Whether you think that you are guilty or innocent, it is absolutely critical that you talk to a Lawyer before making a decision or entering a plea.
You will not be penalized for having Counsel with you in Court and you will not get credit for taking responsibility quickly without the assistance of a Lawyer.
We will provide you with a quote for a fixed fee so you will know exactly what representation will cost; with no surprises.

Good people make mistakes. Most people charged with Impaired Driving are otherwise law abiding, honest people who unexpectedly find themselves in unfamiliar surroundings, facing a very difficult charge.

“If there is a way to eliminate or reduce your charge, we will find it!”

Yes! You absolutely do need a Lawyer for Impaired Driving / Over 80 / DUI charge.

(Please complete the submission form below for a free consultation.)
Please note that Ontario Paralegals are not permitted to handle these types of charges; only Lawyers are permitted by Law Society Rules.

Are you experiencing loss of coordination or have you failed a breathalyzer and want to know how to calculate your blood alcohol level?

This calculator is to be used for informational use only. Do not use the calculator to determine whether or not you should drive. Never operate a motor vehicle or heavy equipment after consuming any amount of alcohol.

https://smartserve.ca/bac-chart

What are the possible consequences of being convicted of driving while consuming cannabis or drugs in Canada?

Drug-impaired driving is a serious issue that can have severe consequences. It is essential to understand the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs. Drug-impaired driving can impair your reaction time, coordination, and judgment, making it difficult to control your vehicle properly. This can result in accidents that cause injuries or fatalities. It is important to understand the effects of different drugs and their impact on driving ability.

While impairment can be caused by both drugs and alcohol, drug-impaired driving can be particularly dangerous as different drugs can have various effects on the body and mind, leading to unpredictable behaviour on the road.

Possible consequences of being convicted of impaired include license suspension, fines, mandatory alcohol education programs, probation, community service, increased insurance rates, and even imprisonment. Additionally, a conviction can have long-term effects on one’s personal and professional life.

https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/sidl-rlcfa
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/policing/police/community-safety-policing/impaired-driving.html
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/c-46/section-320.14.html

Have you been charged with alcohol-impaired driving or over 80 in Ontario?

Impaired driving is considered a serious criminal offence in Canada, and it is punishable under the Criminal Code of Canada. The federal penalties for impaired include prohibitions, fines, jail time, and participation in an ignition interlock program. Additionally, the Canadian criminal code was amended to carry more severe immigration-related consequences for both permanent residents and foreign nationals convicted of this offence. With the recent amendments, the maximum sentence for impaired has increased from five to ten years.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious crime and poses a significant risk to public safety. Impaired involves operating any motorized vehicle, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, trains, jet skis and snowmobiles, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is important to understand that impaired is not just limited to alcohol but also includes drugs or a combination of both. It is crucial for drivers to stay sober and alert while operating any motorized vehicle to avoid accidents and legal consequences.

Programs such as checkstops and ignition interlock programs aim to prevent impaired and improve road safety. It is important for all drivers to understand what constitutes impaired. Every case is different, but the ramifications of a conviction are always dramatic and the cost of hiring proper representation is generally minor when compared to the costs that you might be facing…

A breathalyzer measures the amount of alcohol in a driver’s breath to estimate their blood alcohol content (BAC). It is a device that law enforcement agencies use to determine if a driver is impaired. Having even a small amount of alcohol can affect driving ability, and in 2021, there were 2,266 people killed in alcohol-related crashes where the driver had a BAC of 0.1 to 0.7 g/dL. In Ontario, operating a vehicle with a BAC of 0.5 to 0.8 can result in a license suspension of three days for the first offense, seven days for the second offense, or 30 days for subsequent offenses.

An ignition interlock device is a breathalyzer installed in a vehicle to prevent impaired. Many provinces require offenders to install these devices at their own expense, and the vehicle cannot be operated unless the driver blows into the interlock and has a BAC below a pre-set low limit. Ignition interlock programs allow suspended drivers to drive with an ignition interlock device in their vehicles, which can help improve road safety and prevent further incidents of impaired. In addition to other penalties such as license suspension and mandatory education or treatment programs, the use of an ignition interlock device for at least one year may also be required.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ignition-interlock-program

What do I need to know about how being impaired by drugs or alcohol affects my system?

Driving while impaired by alcohol is a serious offense. Blood alcohol content (BAC) is used to measure the level of intoxication in a person. A BAC level exceeding 0.08% is considered illegal and can result in criminal charges without any need to prove impairment.

When alcohol is consumed, it is absorbed directly through the walls of the stomach and small intestine into the bloodstream. As blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels rise in a person’s system, the negative effects on the central nervous system also increase. It takes roughly 30 minutes to two hours for alcohol to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Those who binge drink or struggle with an alcohol use disorder are at higher risk for harmful side effects due to consuming a large amount of alcohol in a short period of time. Impaired is a serious offense that can have severe consequences. When it comes to alcohol-related offenses, the measurement of blood alcohol content (BAC) plays a crucial role. A BAC level exceeding 0.08% is deemed illegal and can lead to criminal charges without needing to prove impairment.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/impaired-driving#:~:text=You%20can%20face%20charges%20if,age%2021%20or%20under

Can medication or other substances cause impairment, even if they are legally prescribed?

Yes, certain medications and substances, even if legally prescribed, can cause impairment. It’s important to read the warning labels and consult with a healthcare professional to understand the potential side effects of any medication or substance before taking drugs and driving.

Drug use can significantly impair a person’s ability to drive safely. Impairment from drugs such as marijuana, opioids, stimulants, and sedatives can affect focus, coordination, judgment, and reaction time. Police officers use various tests such as physical examinations and coordination tests to detect drug impairment in drivers. In some provinces of Canada, Bill 31 has been introduced to suspend driver’s licenses for those caught driving under the influence of drugs or a combination of drugs and alcohol. It is important to avoid drug use before driving to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.

Have you been charged with alcohol-impaired driving or over 80 in Ontario?

Impairment is a major public health concern in many countries, with significant costs associated with medical care and loss of lives. While alcohol-impaired driving is well understood, data limitations make it more difficult to understand the impacts of drug-impaired driving. It is estimated that 1.5 million people are arrested each year for driving under the influence of alcohol. Impaired driving remains a serious issue affecting both traffic safety and public health worldwide.

Alcohol has various effects on the body, including impaired driving ability. Even small amounts of alcohol in the bloodstream can affect a person’s concentration, judgement, and reaction time. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving is set at 0.08 g/dL in most states, but impairment can occur at lower BAC levels. It is important to be aware of the short-term and long-term effects of alcohol abuse and to avoid putting oneself and others in danger while on the road.

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs the skills needed to drive safely. It affects a driver’s concentration, judgement, and reaction time. Alcohol alters depth perception, making it hard to distinguish between close or faraway objects. The vision is also affected, and it may be blurred or doubled. Impaired driving skills can lead to accidents on the road, causing harm not only to oneself but also to others. It is important to avoid any substance that can impair driving skills before getting behind the wheel.

Impaired muscle coordination is a common symptom of various health conditions. It can occur due to alcohol consumption, which reduces the function of the brain and impairs thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. The negative effects on the central nervous system increase as alcohol levels rise in a person’s system. It can also be caused by other factors such as neurological disorders, head injuries, and certain medications. Impaired muscle coordination can affect daily activities such as driving or even walking, thus it is important to seek medical attention if this symptom persists.

Pedestrian safety is crucial, especially when it comes to impaired driving. Alcohol-impaired drivers pose a severe threat to pedestrians, with 38% of people who died in crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2020 being nonoccupants, such as a pedestrian. It’s important to remember that impaired driving not only affects the driver but also endangers innocent lives on the road. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol have slower reaction times, making it harder for them to respond quickly and avoid accidents involving pedestrians or other vehicles.

First-time offenders who are convicted of impaired driving will face penalties, such as mandatory minimum sentences. One potential solution is requiring alcohol ignition interlocks for all people convicted of alcohol-impaired driving, which has shown promise in reducing repeat offenses even after interlocks are removed. Additionally, incorporating alcohol use disorder assessment and treatment into interlock programs can further reduce the likelihood of repeat offenses. It’s important to take action to prevent impaired driving and protect public safety.

Impaired driving can lead to serious injury or death of oneself or others. It is a major cause of traffic crashes in Canada, with drunk driving being responsible for about 31% of all traffic crash fatalities. Consuming alcohol puts anyone at risk of causing an accident, but young drivers between the ages of 16 to 20 years are particularly vulnerable. It is important to avoid driving after drinking alcohol to prevent such accidents and injuries.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious crime and poses a threat to public safety. Drunk drivers are responsible for a large number of accidents each year, with men being more likely to be involved in such incidents than women. The level of intoxication in drunk drivers is typically determined by measuring their blood alcohol content or breath alcohol concentration. Driving with a BAC or BrAC measurement above the legal limit, such as 0.08%, is considered a criminal offense even if there is no evidence of impairment. Higher BAC levels may result in an aggravated category of the offense in some jurisdictions.

It is important to have a designated driver when going out for drinks or partying. It is always best to plan ahead and choose a non-drinking friend who can drive you home safely. Impaired driving can lead to serious accidents and injuries, so it’s essential to avoid driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you’re unable to find a designated driver, consider using public transportation or calling a taxi or rideshare service. Taking these precautions can help ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a leading cause of impaired driving and increases crash risk exponentially. At a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, crash risk increases significantly. This is why it’s important to never drink and drive, as even small amounts of alcohol can impair your driving ability and increase the risk of accidents. Teen drivers are especially vulnerable to the effects of alcohol, with even low BAC levels increasing their risk for crashes. It’s essential to always prioritize safety on the road by avoiding impaired driving.

Criminal charges

We defend all Criminal Driving charges. See how we can help below.

Impaired by Drug or Alcohol (DUI, DWI)

Operating any motorized vehicle, including cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, airplanes, trains, jet skis and snowmobiles.

Over 80

Operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) exceeding the legal limit of 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres.

Refuse Breath Sample

If you’ve been charged for refusing a breath sample, referred to as “refuse to blow”, we’ll do everything possible to assist you.

Drive Disqualified

Where there has been a licence suspension imposed by a conviction to a Criminal offence.

Fail to remain

Every driver on the road in Ontario has a duty to remain at the scene when an accident occurs.

Dangerous Driving

The Criminal Code of Canada makes it illegal to operate a motor vehicle in a manner that is dangerous to the public.

Appeals

Appeals for Criminal Driving convictions or certain convictions under The Highway Traffic Act.

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We have extensive experience with Impaired Driving charges.
There’s a limited time frame in which you can fight your charge.